Children’s Christmas Gifts 2018 & Personalised Colour In Activity Book Giveaway

There are fantastic Children’s Christmas gifts available and I’ve rounded a few up for you! I tend to steer away from the top toys each year, some are fantastic but can cost a fortune and end up untouched. Here are a few gifts I know will get used! All gifts are suitable for  4+.

Huewei Mediapad T5 10.1 Inch 16GB Wifi Tablet

Huawei Mediapad T5 10.1 Inch

I know I’m not the only parent who’s children have to do some homework online. It can be tricky on smaller tablets to see the full web page on certain homework sites. This 10.1 inch tablet is the perfect size and budget friendly! Running android 8.0 you can play the latest games and apps on a full HD screen. It has 16GB expandable memory, up to 9 hours of battery life and a 5MP camera. This fab tablet even comes with Microsoft office mobile suite, perfect for doing homework.

My Mood Stars

My Mood Stars Velcro Board and Stars

I recently reviewed My Mood Stars from Wendy Woo along with a book & tooth pocket. I think these would make great children’s christmas gifts! My Mood Stars is a fantastic toy designed to encourage children to understand feelings. This fun, interactive Velcro board and Mood Stars help children think about other peoples feelings as well as their own. For children with Autism or Asperger’s this product can help them associate feelings with facial expressions they otherwise may struggle to understand. This makes a great gift for children of any age. Check out my full review here to find out more.

Friendship Bracelet Kit

A more traditional gift that is bound to get used is this fantastic friendship bracelet kit from Find Me A Gift for just £8.99. Suitable for 8 years and up this is a fun gift that comes with all you need to create colourful friendship bracelets. This kit also comes with a pattern book to help you get started. 

Children’s Christmas DVD’s

DVD’s make great stocking or Christmas Eve box fillers. I include Christmas DVD’s in the girls Christmas Eve boxes every year which they love to watch snuggled up with a hot chocolate. Here are 3 Christmas films that would make a great gift.

The Grinch

The Grinch DVD

The mean, green, Grinch tries to stop Christmas in Whoville! After trying to steal all the presents and decorations on Christmas Eve the Grinch comes to learn the Christmas spirit is more than just tinsel and toys. Based on the quirky, well-loved book ‘Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas’. A genuinely funny film starring Jim Carey with a heart-warming storyline.

Trolls Holiday

Trolls Holiday - Christmas DVDs

Poppy, queen of the trolls discovers the Bergen’s no longer have any holidays on their calendars. Along with the rest of the Trolls gang, poppy tries to fix something the Bergen’s had no idea was broken! This film is bound to get any child up and dancing on their feet, a perfect stocking filler.

The Snowman

The Snowman - Christmas films

A magical musical adapted from Raymond Brigg’s classic picture book is a firm family favourite. This beautiful film tells the story of a boy whose snowman comes to life at midnight! Capturing the imagination of generations this film continues to enchant and is a Christmas film must have. Perfect for a Christmas eve box!

Harry Potter : A History Of Magic

Harry Potter A History Of Magic

Another great stocking filler DVD is less Christmassy but just as magical! Any Harry Potter lovers will be spellbound by this Harry Potter: A History Of Magic.

Lunar Legends Personalised Book Cover Art Print

Lunar legends personalised book cover

Ink & Tot create unique personalised prints like this stunning book cover! Perfect for book lovers looking to write their own short stories. 

Rudolph Heat Change Mug 

Rudolph Heat Change Mug

A perfect stocking filler or Christmas Eve box gift, this Rudolph heat change mug is only €14.95 from CoolGift.com. Children will love to snuggle up with a film and a nice hot chocolate watching Rudolph’s nose glow red when hot!

Unicorn Heat Change Mug

Unicorn Heat Change Mug

Perfect for Unicorn fans, this cute mug changes colour when filled with hot liquids! Add an extra touch of magic to those Christmas hot chocolates watching the mane turn from purple to rainbow! 

Little Star & Little Rainbow Childen’s Bead Necklaces

Little Stars Necklace - Halia rose

I LOVE Halia Rose children’s jewellery. They make fantastic gifts all year round including Christmas! We already have the rainbow necklace Eva received for her birthday, which she loves and the Yellow star necklace is just as lovely.

Halia Rose Little Rainbows Necklace

Made from food grade silicone & BPA free. They are safe and nontoic, perfect for children.  Easy to clean withsoapy water or in the dishwasher under 65.

Harry Potter Deathly Hallows Necklace 

Harry Potter necklace - This material culture

This Material Culture has a range of unique jewellery gifts, handmade in Liverpool. I love this Harry Potter Necklace, it is a great stocking filler for any Harry Potter fan! 

Wannabees Role Play Packs

Wannabees Cafe Owner Pack

These fab books have everything you need inside to help children in their chosen role.  Izzy loves to bake and cook, she loves visiting local cafes and we were kindly sent the Café pack which I know will get so much use!

I Want To Be A Teacher

We absolutely love Wannabees Role Play Packs, you can be a Doctor, Café Owner or a Teacher! We have the Teacher role pack and the girls have used it quite a bit.

I want to be a Doctor

Playbrush Smart Sonic

Playbrush Smart Sonic

The Playbrush Smart Sonic is an interactive toothbrush for children 3+ with extra soft brush heads. This playful toothbrush connects via Bluetooth to iOS/Android so you can play motivational games controlling the brushing movements. t. Unique technology measures and gives feedback on brushing accuracy, speed, pressure, position, frequency and duration. This then provides audo feedback and evaluates the brushing reults for parents through statistics. 

Scientific studies (2017) show that children using Playbrush brush their teeth twice as long, more regularly and have more fun *115 kids with Playbrush Smart*


Personalised Colour In Activity Book A3

Personalised Colour In Activity Book A3

Personalised gifts are great and this one is perfect for young children learning to spell and recognise their own name. With 34 pages of fun activities and their name on each page to colour in or trace, this is a unique and fun gift. You can also add a personal message to the activity book to make it extra special. 

Isobella Personalise activity book

Win A Personalised Colour In Activity Book A3

Enter the Rafflecoptor giveaway below for a chance to win one of these lovely activity books yourself.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner will be contacted within 24 hours to provide personalisation details and delivery address which will be passed on to The Personalised Gift Shop to dispatch your prize. 

*Most of these items have been gifted in exchange for a feature but all opinions are my own.

Soothing Skin With Eucerin #MyAquaphor

I’m using a Soothing Skin Balm from Eucerin called Aquaphor. Having sensitive skin due to Eczema I often struggle to find products that help.

Soothing Skin with Eucerin Aquaphor

Soothing Skin Balm

I was kindly sent a sample of Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm to try out. Designed to give dry to very dry, cracked and irritated skin the SOS care it needs for all the family. Containing only 8 ingredients, Aquaphor is gentle enough to use on highly irritated skin, babies skin and as a nappy cream.

#MyAquaphor

Protecting skin by creating a breathable protective barrier, Eucerin Aquaphor soothing skin balm allows the skin to breathe. Allowing oxygen and water vapor to circulate to and from the skin helps strengthen it natural barrier function.

Dry Skin

Izzy fell over at school a few weeks back and ended up with a big graze on her chin. Of course, she picked this like mad at first and other creams have done very little. It was so dry and cracked from the cold weather but no longer weeping so I decided to see if Eucerin Aquaphor would help. After a bath, I put some on Izzy’s chin and left it. As you can see below it was quite bad to begin with!

Unicorn Crown

I then forgot to use Eucerin Aquaphor for a day or so and you could see her chin was beginning to irritate Izzy again. We’ve started using it again and it is slowly helping. As you can see below it has gone from an almost heart-shaped scab to 2 smaller scabs and the skin is healing around it at last. Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin balm is amazing!

Izzy's chin is healing using Eucerin Aquaphor

Eczema

I have Eczema and really struggle during the winter with my skin. My arms are full of makes from tearing my arms apart so I thought I’d try using Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm for myself too. After a bath, I slathered my arms in the balm and it instantly felt soothing. Usually, my arms feel on fire even after a cool bath or shower and I can’t stop scratching!

Eczema calming with Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm

I forgot to take a before photo but the photo above shows my arm after a week of use. I suddenly realised I hadn’t been scratching anywhere near as much. There aren’t any fresh scabs where my skin feels much calmer and it is a lovely relief. I can see Eucerin Aquaphor becoming a household essential for us and can see why it has been a household stable since it was first introduced to the US market in 1925.

Have you used Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm before?

*This post is an entry for the BritMums #MyAquaphor Challenge, sponsored by Eucerin. Discover the benefits of Eucerin https://www.eucerin.co.uk/products/aquaphor/soothing-skin-balm-45ml

Free By Fiona Morgan – Book Review

I’ve read Free by Fiona Morgan* over the last fortnight. Since Izzy started reception I’ve felt less guilty about reading. I’ve always been passionate about reading but with 2 kids I found it hard to make time. Children’s books have been the main reads over the last 8 years! Now I get more me-time I’ve spent my afternoons enjoying a few chapters with a hot chocolate! 

Free By Fiona Morgan

Fiona Morgan is a lovely author who I chat to on Twitter, I wanted to show her some support by giving her books a read. I have her first 2 books which you can buy as paperbacks from Amazon or download on Kindle.

Free & What's Mine by Fiona Morgan

Free

Free is the first book Fiona has written and I have to admit I was a little sad to finish it! It’s one of those books where you get to know the characters so well you actually miss them. 

Ava’s boyfriend Nathan has convinced her she is useless, incapable of being independent in anyway and regularly beats it into her. She seems to push his buttons whatever she says or does and causes Nathan to get angry! After a chance meeting with a guy called Neil who is completely different and so understanding, Ava plucks up the courage to leave Nathan. One day after a beating she calls Neil and makes her escape. 

You can’t leave me!

Leaving an abuser is never easy and Nathan is extremely persistent when it comes to pursuing Ava, causing both Ava and Neil mental anguish. Nathan is adamant Ava is his and she can’t leave him or live without him. The long-buried memories of Neil’s father are brought back in to focus as he helps Ava. Caught up in uncertainty and physical violence, Ava and Neil’s growing tender love is put to the test! 

Perfectly Captured

Fiona captures every angle so perfectly throughout the book and you can’t help but feel the storyline. For someone who has lived with an abuser and witnessed it on several occasions. I’ve seen and heard so many similar stories that Free feels like real life. From thoughts & feelings to actions, everything is spot on. I’m not usually a fan of Romance Thrillers. I prefer thrillers but Free doesn’t go overboard on the romance side and I found myself wanting to see how their relationship developed! 

I’m looking forward to the girls going to school tomorrow so I can start reading What’s Mine! I’ve managed 7 books so far this year and hoping to make it 8. With captivating storylines like Fiona’s, I may even top that!

Fiona Morgan - Author of Free

Do you like romance thrillers? Have you heard of Fiona Morgan’s books before? 

*This is not a sponsored post. 

Women’s Christmas Gift Guide 2018 & Stationary Giveaway

I’ve created a women’s Christmas gift guide full of fab gifts AND a giveaway for 2 lucky winners! If you are looking for some inspiration this Christmas then check out these gifts.

Women’s Christmas Gift Guide 2018

Vibrating Neck Massage Pillow

Coolgift.com has the perfect gift for anyone in dire need of a neck massage! This super soft pillow wraps around your neck to give you a relaxing massage. Simply insert 2x AA batteries, turn it on, lean back and relax.

Handbag LED Light

This smart LED motion sensor light from Coolgift.com is perfect for finding what you need in the bottom of your bag. This is a great stocking filler for anyone who is constantly rummaging around struggling to see inside their bag. What else could make a perfect women’s Christmas gift?

PhoneHug & Lanyard

PhoneHug & Rose Lanyard

The PhoneHug is a guardian angel for your phone! Made from high-grade recyclable silicone this funky accessory stops you from dropping, breaking or losing your phone. The PhoneHug clips to a lanyard to be worn in different ways.

PhoneHug & Lanyard

A great gift for NHS staff, dog walkers, tourists or those with disabilities that may drop, break or lose their phone. I love that the PhoneHug comes in purple, it looks lovely with the rose gold Lanyard. A useful women’s Christmas gift she will use all year round!

Cosy Owl Lime & Basil Candle Making Kit

This candle making kit from Cosyowl.com helps recreate a popular designer favourite (Jo Malone/RRP £47), for less than half the price. A great gift idea for craft lovers. It contains all you need to make the candles from the comfort of your own home, using an easy to follow step by step guide. A great Christmas gift for her! Use code – WELCOME  at checkout for a 10% discount for all new customers.

Dr.Numb

Dr. Numb is a topical anaesthetic cream is leading the micro-blading and micro needling industry, and it´s being widely used in cosmetology, tattoo and other dermatological procedures. A perfect gift for her, especially if she loves tattoos and piercings or regularly suffers from pain.

Scaramanga Giveaway

Now, how about winning some prizes for yourself? 2 lucky winners will win some fab prizes from Scaramanga! Scaramanga is an orginal lifestyle shop full of fab, unique gifts.

Women's Christmas Gift Guide & Giveaway

Prize 1: A Medium Vintage Leather Journal (£12.50) and a Leather Pencil Case (£11.50).

Prize 2: 5x Mini Leather Journals (£2.30 Each/£11.50) and a Mini Leather Pencil Case (£5.50).

UK Entrants only. Winners details will be passed on to Scaramanga to arrange delivery of your prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

RFIDSecur Wallet Launching On Kickstarter

RFIDSecur Wallet is launching on Kickstarter. Using blocking technology that protects bank and ID cards from wireless attacks this is a revolutionary idea.

Steel Grey RFIDSecur Wallet

RFID Cloaked Ltd

You may remember me talking about the RFIDSecur Card launch 2 years ago. After a huge success, smashing their crowdfunding target, they have developed the innovative new RFIDsecur Wallet with Active Alert.

Crimson RFIDSecur Wallet

RFIDsecur Wallet

The RFIDsecur Wallet has two slide-out trays and a sleek, minimalist design. This allows for simple one-handed use for both right and left-handers. The Active Alert feature lights up when a contactless card reader is detected, warning you of thieves trying to steal your card data. Cleverly there are no batteries needed for this innovative Wallet.

Innovative Design

Made with a metalised ABS and polycarbonate frame has a beautifully functional design (Did I mention it will be available in PURPLE!?). They have 5 colours that will be available. Simply slide out your card to make a payment and it will automatically retract. The car stays secure in your wallet the whole time.

RFIDSecur Wallet

The RFIDsecur™ Wallet with Active Alert is the brainchild of entrepreneurs Julian Ghail and Reuben Millard who co-founded RFID Cloaked with the goal of improving personal financial and data security.

Jade Green RFIDSecur

Kickstarter Launch

The RFIDsecur Wallet with Active Alert is launching on Kickstarter today. Earlybird pledges will start from £39 for the standard wallet or £49 for the wallet with in-built theft detection. They are aiming to raise £15,000 ($19,000 USD). This will cover tooling and production costs.

The Kickstarter campaign ends Thursday 20th December 18:00 UTC. If you’d like to get your very own RFIDsecur™ Wallet with Active Alert then back their Kickstarter campaign, by visiting it here: https://rebrand.ly/RFIDCloaked-KickstarterCampaign.

I can’t wait for this to launch as I love the RFID card and know this will be just as great. I have had the RFID Card in my purse for the last 2 years and felt safe from contactless card fraud. 

Library And Lunch Dates With The Girls

Saturday’s are Library and lunch dates with the girls. We go to the library most weekends and occasionally we would stop somewhere for lunch after.

Library and lunch dates

Library and Lunch Routine

It has become a routine for us to leave the Mr to hoover the flat and bring him home something nice for lunch. We drop back our borrowed books and browse the children’s section of the library for a while. Once the girls have chosen a billion (slight exaggeration!) books and loaded them into the trolley we go for lunch.

Eva’s recent Book Finds

Library Haul

Eva is discovering more authors like Terry Pratchett and Adam Blade who wrote the Beast Quest and Sea Quest series she is fond of.

Eva's library haul

It’s lovely to see her discovering new authors and series. I had thought she would be re-reading all the Harry Potter books for life at one point! 

Izzy’s Recent Book Finds

Izzy's library haul

Izzy loves a good storybook, Titchy Witch is a favourite but she loves classics too! She likes picking out books at random which can be fun too.

History books

She is really big on facts and history right now. It’s actually quite lovely, her favourite topics are Ancient Egypt, the Romans and the Kings & Queens of Britain. Every night we sit together and read one of these fact books with Eva helping me read. She also loves a Julia Donaldson story! Cave Baby is her most recent favourite book.

Thameside Coffee Shop

The girls decided one weekend they wanted to eat at the Thameside Coffee shop as it is in the same building. Because of my Anxiety, I’ve been tempted so many times to stop for a hot chocolate but walked away. With the girls with me, we finally gave it a try and now it’s our favourite place!

Izzy eating

The coffee shop serves a range of food and drinks and some great meal deals. After our first visit, the girls decided we had to go EVERY weekend. Of course, I’ve mostly given in! It’s a lovely atmosphere, a family run place where the staff already recognise us.

The Best Hot Chocolate and Brownie

I love that the girls can order and pay without a fuss and are getting to know the staff. And most importantly, they make THE BEST Hot Chocolate and Brownies! Their cheese and ham paninis are tasty too and I feel relaxed enough to eat there. It makes our Saturdays even more enjoyable and we love our library and lunch dates.

An Afternoon Of Reading

Once we have grabbed any shopping we need in town, we head home to get reading! This afternoon we have been reading about Lost & Found Tombs around the world. It’s fascinating learning about different types of tombs and burial rituals. I really enjoy our reading sessions (when Izzy isn’t interrupting haha!) and hearing Eva’s confidence grow when reading aloud.

Lost and found Tombs

Our Library and Lunch dates are a great way to end the week. The girls love to read in bed at the weekends so it’s great to stock up on books. Stopping for lunch we chat and get a chance to catch up after the school week and be a bit silly. I’m quite enjoying our new routine and it’s helped me pace myself across the week knowing I need to be up to the walk. With the weather getting colder it’s nice we can go out at the weekend and stay in the warm too! 

Do you have a weekend routine? 


Chronic Pain Update At 28 Years Old

I’m writing a Chronic pain update at 28 years old since I wrote about Chronic pain at 25. Cleaning up the blog, I came across this post and decided to read it. I have noticed it is a well read post even after 3 years so I figured an update was a good idea.

Chronic Pain Update at 28 years old

Picking Up 

Having had the blog 3 years to vent and moan has been extremely therapeutic and uplifting for me. There has been low points but having the blog, twitter and new people to chat to on bad days has really helped. Having something to focus on has also been a huge help, I enjoy blogging so much!

Keeping Track

At 25 I mentioned that I wanted to document my journey with my physical and mental health. I have done just that and I know it’s helped myself and others. That’s something I’m pretty proud of. When you constantly feel pain you often experience something called brain fog. You can easily forget things, for quite some time over the last year I felt like a fraud. I forgot all about my diagnosis’ and began to think it was all in my head.

Reminders

Seeing old posts being read often makes me re-read them myself. About 6 months ago I relearned that I have peripheral neuropathy. I’d been so stressed I forgot, knowing made so much sense all over again. It seems so ridiculous to forget something like that but I was focusing more on my mental health, discovering I have PTSD as well as Anxiety and Depression. Reading these posts have reminded me I am ill and at home for a reason and I’ve been much kinder to myself. 

Chronic Pain Update

So where are we up to now? Not much has changed to be honest, I collect my repeat prescriptions and only see a GP when necessary. I know we’ve exhausted all options right now. Without being asleep 24/7 I am on all the medication possible to help me. I have severely bad days, worse than ever with even more issues but I am learning to cope better. Today is quite a bad day, I’ve felt extremely hot and sick with pain but I’m taking breaks when I need to. It’s important to not to over do things as you always feel so much worse.

Feeling A Lot More Positive

Whilst things have been getting worse I feel a lot more positive these days. 
With a support network online, the Mr happy to do anything I can’t and me being kinder to myself things are more manageable. I’ve learnt to accept this is the way I am, I just need to pace myself and not push myself too much. I’ve learnt to say no when I don’t feel up to something. I guess I’ve grown a lot over 3 years!

Holiday Cheer Teas – Adagio Teas

Adagio’s Holiday Cheer Teas are now available for anyone looking to boost their Christmas spirit! For just £14 for 30 pyramid bags, there are 6 full leaf teas bound to give you that holiday cheer! I was kindly sent a box to try for myself and I wasn’t disappointed. Having tried several Adagio Teas, I’m always eager to try more. 

Holiday Cheer Tea

Holiday Cheer Teas

Another fantastic, gourmet collection of full-leaf teas from Adagio Teas full of holiday cheer. There are 5 individually packaged pyramid teabags of each flavour in this fabulously festive collection.

Pumpkin Spice Tea

I know so many Pumpkin Spice fans who would absolutely love this tea! A black tea infused with cinnamon, cloves and pumpkin to give a spicy, uplifting tea.

Candy Apple Tea

This tea is reminiscent of the carnival favourite to enjoy all year round. With a rich caramel, apple & cinnamon flavour. 

Gingerbread Tea

A perfect cuppa for all gingerbread lovers! Infused with ginger, cinnamon and orange pieces this tea is perfect for all gingerbread men and women out there.

Candy Cane Tea

A black tea infused with peppermint flavour and actual candy cane pieces! This is my favourite out of the collection, who doesn’t love a candy cane?

Chestnut Tea

Infused with sunflower seeds and chestnut flavour this is a warming cuppa, ideal for chestnut connoisseurs. This tea is bound to give you a comforting reminder ’tis the season to be jolly!

Cranberry Tea

Infused with cranberries and raspberry leaves, this festively fruity tea is a great compliment to your next festive feast.

You are bound to feel the holiday cheer and warmth this season with this lovely collection of teas. Adagio has a tea perfect for every occasion! Why not treat a loved one or yourself this Christmas?

Which Holiday Cheer tea appeals to you the most? 

10 Ways To Reduce Stress #StressAwarenessDay

I’m sharing 10 ways to reduce stress as it’s #StressAwarenessDay. Many of us feel stressed out but Chronic stress can really affect your health. In a demanding world, we need to find ways to help reduce the stress in our lives.

10 Ways To Reduce Stress

Stress can suppress your immune system, upset your digestive & reproductive systems, increase the risk of heart attack or stroke and speeds up the ageing process. Stress can also rewire the brain leaving you vulnerable to Anxiety, Depression and other mental health issues.

10 Ways To Reduce Stress

1. Crafting

I find crafting really helps me calm down and live in the moment. Crocheting is my favourite craft to get lost in. Finding a craft you enjoy not only relaxes you but it gives you a sense of achievement too which we often lack. 

2. Music

Listening to your favourite songs is an instant mood booster! I had forgotten just how much of an effect music has until recently. Now I’m listening to something most of the time and I feel much happier and calmer, even though I’m ill and exhausted!

3. Have a bath

In a busy world, it can be tempting to jump into the shower quickly. Taking time to run a nice, warm, bubble bath for yourself and soaking for 10 minutes not only relaxes your muscles but your mind too. Why not light some candles or play your favourite music?

4. Read a book

A lot can be said for getting lost in a book. After a busy summer holiday, I began to enjoy books again. Taking time out to get lost in another world really helps calm your mind. 

5. Talk

Often we get so stressed out with so many thoughts we can get easily confused. Talking things over not only helps you feel heard but it can also help you figure out how to tackle the situation better.

6. Rest

Resting can really help you think more rationally and feel less stressed. That’s not always easy to do but there are several ways to help you fall asleep from hot soothing drinks, white noise, herbal medications and more.

7. Say no

It can be all too easy to say yes and help everyone else out. The problem is we often end up overloaded, but it’s ok to say no! I’m learning this myself and have to admit it is better to say no than to say yes and feel like a letdown. 

8. Treat yourself

Buy yourself something every once in a while, whether it’s your favourite chocolate, new shoes, or even that hot chocolate you (I) always put off! It doesn’t have to break the bank but it will make you feel happier.

9. Eat well

A balanced diet will help you feel more energetic. It’s easy to fall into bad habits but food can really affect our mood. Ensuring you have adequate amounts of nutrients can also help you avoid diet-related diseases.

10. Stop putting yourself down

Often our stress is triggered by our own heads telling us we aren’t doing or being enough. We need to be mindful of our inner voices, ask yourself, would you say that to a friend? Look for the positives and praise all those little ‘wins’ even if that is simply making it out of bed that day.

Getting Help

If talking to friends and family isn’t helping and you feel you need further help, you can contact your GP who can advise you further. CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) or counselling may be offered. There are also several charities you can contact – 

Mind – 
0300 123 3393
info@mind.org.uk
Text: 86463

Call Samaritans free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org

Find Psychological therapies locally (England) on the NHS site here.

Do you use any of these to reduce stress?

Favourite Athleisure – Staying Warm & Comfy!

What’s your favourite Athleisure wear? Do you prefer joggers? Hoodies? Trainers? As a spoonie, I love warm cosy hoodies the most. I have quite a collection of hoodies, especially as I struggle to stay warm. I’ve been doing some online window shopping for comfy Athleisure wear to keep me warm this winter. 

Favourite Athleisure

At the moment my favourite hoody is an Umbro one I picked up in Asda on sale for £4! It’s so cosy and it’s smart enough for me to wear out with my jeans on a cold day too. It’s very similar this one below from the Umbro site. 

Photo Credit: Umbro.co.uk

Hoodie Wishlist

Of course, you can never have enough hoodies! So I’ve been eyeing up a few on the Adidas site. The Mr has an Adidas hoody almost as old as me that is still going strong, so I checked out the range Adidas has right now.

I love this oversized Trefoil Hoodie in blue, it would be perfect with jeans for nipping to the shops and lounging around indoors in.

Oversize Trefoil Hoodie Super Blue DH3181
Photo Credit: Adidas.co.uk

There is a lovely fleece purple Nike Hoodie I have my eyes on right now too! 

Nike Sportswear Women's Fleece Hoodie
Photo Credit: Nike.com 

Another lovely hoodie is this grey Sport ID Hoodie. It looks so cosy and warm! Perfect for keeping wrapped up this winter.

Sport ID Hoodie Medium Grey Heather / White CZ5667
Photo Credit: Adidas.co.uk

I love hoodies, there are so many different styles available and they really keep you warm. They can look smart with a pair of jeans whilst still staying casual and comfortable.

Joggers

I love joggers for lounging around indoors, warm yet not too restrictive! Jogging bottoms are essential for me, if we have people over I need to at least look like I’ve got dressed but due to my chronic pain wearing clothes is painful. Being able to wear joggers and a hoodie makes a big difference and there are some lovely joggers around like these Adidas Essential 3 stripe grey joggers. 

Essentials 3 Stripes Closed Hem Pants Medium Grey Heather / Haze Coral CZ5750
Photo Credit: Adida.co.uk

Trainers

Lastly, my trainers are hugely important. I may not go out much but I need something comfortable, warm and sturdy on my feet. Most boots just don’t feel right to me so I live in my Nike Air Max’s. I currently have a gorgeous black & purple pair I bought from the Nike Outlet Store. 

Favourite Athleisure

I’ve been looking for other purple trainers and the Women’s Originals Superstar range has a fab pair with purple stripes!

Superstar Shoes Ftwr White / Red Night / Silver Met. B41510
Photo Credit: Adidas.co.uk

Do you have favourite Athleisure wear?